Documentos de Académico
Documentos de Profesional
Documentos de Cultura
Contents
Page
Task 1 4
Bar and line graphs, pie charts & tables 4
Process or flow charts 7
Objects/how something works 9
How to prepare for Task 1 10
Task 2 13
Questions 14
How to prepare for Task 2 17
General tips for writing 19
Make sure you have a copy of the How to prepare for IELTS – FAQs booklet in
addition to this booklet.
1
How to prepare for IELTS – Writing
Details of the Writing Test
You will also be given an answer booklet. You have to write your
essays in the answer booklet. Notes are not acceptable and essays
under the word limit will be penalized.
The Tasks
Task 1
This task tests your ability to perform one or more of the following
functions in English:
describe and interpret graphic data
describe the stages of a process or procedure
describe an object or event or sequence of events
explain how something works
The question
You are given graphic or pictorial information and you have to write
a description of this information.
Bar charts, line graphs, pie charts and tables are most frequently
given for this task. However, you could also be given an object or
series of pictures or diagrams or a flow chart to describe.
If graphs are used there may be just one – usually a line graph or a bar
chart. However, there could also be more than one of the same type of
graph or a combination of graphs and charts. For example, you could
get a bar chart and a pie chart together (see Cambridge IELTS 1, p.31) or
a line graph and a table.
2
How to prepare for IELTS – Writing
Length & Timing
You have to write at least 150 words.
You are advised to spend 20 minutes on this task.
Marking
Your performance in Task 1 will be assessed on the criteria below:
Task Achievement
Being able to follow the instructions properly.
Being able to write a clear, accurate and relevant description of the
information.
Being able to focus on the important trends presented as graphic
information.
Coherence and Cohesion
Being able to organize your writing using a suitable structure.
Using connective words to link sentences and paragraphs logically.
Lexical Resources
Being able to use a wide range of vocabulary naturally.
Being able to spell accurately and using the appropriate word formation.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Using the appropriate grammatical structures accurately
Using a variety of sentence structures.
3
How to prepare for IELTS – Writing
Task 1 – Bar and line graphs, pie charts & tables
Example 1
The chart below shows how primary, secondary and tertiary students in Britain
spend their free time.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and
make comparisons where relevant.
How students in Britain spend their free time (5 or more hours a week).
70
60
50
40 Primary
30 Secondary
20 Tertiary
10
0 Watching TV Homework Extra- Working for Using the
curricular money Internet
school
activities
4
How to prepare for IELTS – Writing
Example 2
The pie charts below show incidences of firework injuries in Great Britain in 1984
and 1998.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and
make comparisons where relevant.
5%
16%
At public displays
47% At a club/society
display
At a family party
Children playing
32% alone
-
Incidences of firework accidents in 1998.
11%
33%
At public displays
28% At a club/society
display
At a family party
Children playing
alone
28%
5
How to prepare for IELTS – Writing
How to do Task 1 – Bar and line graphs, pie charts & tables
· Spend about 5 minutes reading the graph(s) or chart(s) and
preparing your answer.
· Make sure you understand what the axis on the graph(s) or the
percentages in the pie chart(s) represent.
· Make sure you follow the lines in a line graph correctly and don’t
confuse the individual lines if more than one is present. (See Cambridge
IELTS 1, p.72 for example).
· Remember there will usually be too much information for you to
describe every detail, so you will need to focus on the key information
or significant trends.
· If there are two graphs or charts look for ways to compare the
data.
· Think about the time period represented and the tense(s) you
should be using.
· Think about varying your vocabulary and avoiding repetition by
using synonyms. If, for example, the graph refers to job types –
interchange ‘jobs’, ‘occupations’, ‘types of employment/work’ etc.
· Make sure you organize your information clearly. You will need an
introductory statement, body and conclusion.
v Your introduction should introduce the graph(s) by stating what
it represents and give an overview to describe what the overall
trend is.
v Your body will need to describe the graph(s) in detail.
v Your conclusion should include a brief summary your report.
· Don’t copy phrases from the question as this will not be assessed.
Use your own words.
· Don’t include information that is not on the graph or in the chart.
This may be considered irrelevant and cause you to get a lower mark.
· Don’t take more than 20 minutes over this task.
· Try to write neatly and cross out errors with one line only.
· Leave a couple of minutes to read through what you have written.
Remember
q that you will receive a higher mark if your use a range of structures
and vocabulary.
q you are NOT being asked for your opinion on the information, just
to report it. An opinion would be considered ‘irrelevant’ for this
task.
6
How to prepare for IELTS – Writing
Task 1 - Processes or flow charts
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and
make comparisons where relevant.
7
How to prepare for IELTS – Writing
How to do Task 1 – Processes and flow charts
· Spend about 5 minutes studying the flow chart or diagram and
preparing your answer.
· Make sure you understand what the important stages of the flow
chart or diagram are and that you know what order they all come in.
Find a place to begin and work your way through or around the
diagram or chart.
· You will need to include all the stages in your description.
· Make sure you are aware of any stages that happen at the same
time as other stages or are alternatives.
· You will probably be using the present simple passive and present
simple if you are describing a process.
· Use any notes on the diagram but put them into your own words.
· Think about varying your vocabulary. Use synonyms. If, for
example, the diagram describes jobs – interchange ‘jobs’, ‘occupations’,
‘types of employment/work’ etc.
· Make sure you organize your information clearly. You will need
an introduction and body for this report. A conclusion is not
necessary.
v Your introduction should introduce the process or flow chart
and give an overview to summarize its overall function.
v Your body will describe the process or flow chart in a logical
order.
· For this report you will need to guide the reader with sequence
expressions such as ‘first of all’, ‘after that’, ‘at the same time’,
‘concurrently’ etc. (See Holmesglen website downloadable writing
booklet p.39).
· Don’t copy phrases from the instructions as this will not be
assessed. Use your own words.
· Don’t take more than 20 minutes over this task.
· Try to write neatly and cross out errors with one line only.
· Leave a couple of minutes to read through what you have written.
Remember
q that you will receive a higher mark if your use a range of structures
and vocabulary.
q you are NOT being asked for your opinion on the information, just
to report it. An opinion would be considered ‘irrelevant’ for this
task.
8
How to prepare for IELTS – Writing
Task 1 - Objects/how something works
Summarize the information by describing the main features and explaining how a
washing machine works.
9
How to prepare for IELTS – Writing
· If you don’t know the precise word to describe part of the object,
think of another way of saying it. You are not expected to have
technical knowledge.
· Concentrate on significant features.
· You are not being asked for the reasons for the development of the
object, just a description of it.
· Think about varying your vocabulary – using synonyms.
· Make sure you organize your information clearly. You will need
an introduction and body. A conclusion is not necessary.
v Begin with a brief description of the structure and function
of the object.
v Then describe step-by-step how it works.
· Remember for this report you will need to guide the reader with
sequence expressions such as ‘first of all’, ‘after that’, ‘at the same
time’, ‘concurrently’ etc. (See Holmesglen website downloadable writing
booklet p.39).
· Don’t copy phrases from the instructions as this will not be
assessed. Use your own words.
· Don’t take more than 20 minutes over this task.
· Try to write neatly. Cross out errors with one line only.
· Leave a couple of minutes to read through what you have written.
Remember
q that you will receive a higher mark if your use a range of structures
and vocabulary.
q you are NOT being asked for your opinion on the information, just
to report it. An opinion would be considered ‘irrelevant’ for this
task.
11
How to prepare for IELTS – Writing
Practice for Task 1
Books in the SAC
Graphs/tables/charts
Focus on IELTS: p.102, p.117, p.150, p.182
Insight into IELTS: p.116 & p.117
Preparation & Practice - Writing: p. 116, p.123, p.133, p.135
Helpful Hints for IELTS: p.104. p.138, p.150
Cambridge IELTS 1: p.31, p.72
Cambridge IELTS 2: p.27, p.51, p.73, p.95
Cambridge IELTS 3: p.27, p.51, p.73, p.97
Cambridge IELTS 4: p.31, p.54, p.78, p.100
Cambridge IELTS 5: p.29, p.52, p.98
Cambridge IELTS 6: p.30, p. 52, p.98
Cambridge IELTS 7: p.30, p.53, p.78, p.101
IELTS Foundation:p.69, pp.37-45
IELTS Academic Practice Tests: p.72, p.74, p.76
IELTS to Success: pp. 26-29, p.130, p.132, p.134
Focus on IELTS Practice Tests: p.72, p.74, p.76
Action Plan for IELTS: p.62, p.64, p.65, p.67
Strategies to Success: p.65, p.67
Processes
Focus on IELTS: p.85
Insight into IELTS: p.77
Preparation & Practice – Writing: p.127, p.129
Cambridge IELTS 1: p.51
Cambridge IELTS 6: p.75
IELTS Foundation: p.46
Strategies to Success: p.55
Action Plan for IELTS: p.63, p.68, p.104
Objects
Focus on IELTS: p.166, p.214
Cambridge IELTS 5: p.75
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How to prepare for IELTS – Writing
Task 2
This task tests your ability to do one or more of the following:
v present and justify opinions
v argue a case
v evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence and argument
The Question
You are given a discussion topic. The question will either present you
with an opinion or an argument. You have to discuss the question with
two or three main points and supporting detail for each point.
Marking
Your performance in Task 2 will be assessed on the criteria below:
Task Response
Being able to present a clear position with a logical, well-supported
argument.
Being able to support your argument with personal experience and
reasons.
Being able to focus on the topic and not include anything irrelevant.
Coherence and Cohesion
Being able to write fluently enough to make your message clear to the
reader.
Being able to write cohesive sentences and paragraphs.
Lexical Resource
Being able to use a wide range of vocabulary naturally.
Being able to spell accurately and using the appropriate word formation.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Using the appropriate grammatical structures accurately
Using a variety of sentence structures.
This task carries more weight in marking than Task 1. If, for
example, you get a 5 in Task 1 and a 6 in this task, you will get a 6
overall.
Task 2 Questions
13
How to prepare for IELTS – Writing
A great many countries around the world are losing their cultural identity
because of the Internet.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
How to do Task 2
· Study the question carefully. The instructions will always start
with the sentence ‘Write about the following topic…’ and include the
sentence beginning ‘Give reasons for your answer…’.
· Underline key points in the question.
· Make sure you read all parts of the question, so you include
everything required.
· Quickly brainstorm the topic. Think about your point of view.
Think about any personal experience you can add.
· Write a plan. Decide which points are your main points or topic
sentences.
· Decide what supporting details you have for each main point. You
should have at least two main points.
· Make sure you organise your points logically.
· You will need an introductory statement, body and conclusion.
The structure for your essay will depend on the type of question. There
are two types of argumentative structures. For example:
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How to prepare for IELTS – Writing
Type 1 – Two-sided Argument
Some people think that children get a better education if they study away from
home at a boarding school. Others believe it is better for them to stay with their
families and attend day school.
INTRODUCTION
Ø Opening – general
statement introducing the * REMEMBER
topic. Your scope tells your reader the main points
you will make. Your thesis statement tells the
Ø Background information. reader your opinion.
Ø * Scope and thesis
statement.
CONCLUSION
Ø Restatement of your opinion.
Ø Summary of your main
points.
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How to prepare for IELTS – Writing
Type 2 – One-sided Argument
Children are spending more time at their computers today than playing with their
friends.
* REMEMBER
Your scope tells your reader the main points you will make. Your thesis statement
tells the reader your opinion.
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How to prepare for IELTS – Writing
17
How to prepare for IELTS – Writing
· Think about the topics that could be used for this task. For
example,
Technology
Crime
Tourism
Transport
Education
Population
Media
Health
Society
· Brainstorm the topics for possible questions.
· Write as many timed essays as possible. Do the ones that have
sample and model answers in the books in the SAC.
Online Materials
www.cambridgeesol.org
This is the official IELTS website. It offers tips & advice plus practice
exercises.
18
How to prepare for IELTS – Writing
http://www.writefix.com/index.html This page has sample questions
for argumentative essays as well as information on describing graphs.
http://www.ielts-exam.net/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
From the homepage, go to the IELTS writing links. There are many
videos here to give you help on the writing tests.
Road to IELTS. Access through the ELC Activities and Self Study Page:
http://www.cityu.edu.hk/elc/study_preparation.html enter the site
with your cityu login information. This page gives you hints and tips on
the test based on 12 recurrent themes.
Have I ….
19
How to prepare for IELTS – Writing
ü used the correct articles (a, an or the)?
ü added ‘s’ to all the countable nouns I have used in the plural?
ü used the correct prepositions?
ü used the correct tenses?
ü used a variety of sentence structures?
ü used a variety of vocabulary?
ü used a variety of connective words?
20